ArtPrize, the radically open, international art competition in Grand Rapids, Mich., opened its fifth annual event, on Wednesday, September 18, with 1,524 entries representing 47 countries and 45 states at 169 venues. Several artists from Cedar Springs and Sand Lake will compete with artists from around the world for a combination of public votes and juried prizes to secure part of the world’s largest art prize, totaling $560,000. The event closes October 6.
Artists and venues choose each other to create what TIME Magazine listed as one of “Five Festive Events You Won’t Want to Miss in 2013.”

“ArtPrize is unique to any other art competition in the world, in that curatorial decisions, finalists and winners are ultimately generated by a self-sustained ecosystem,” said Christian Gaines, executive director of ArtPrize. “This open framework allows for the event’s epic scale, challenging use of space and dramatic surprises, and we are excited to see these works realized this fall.”

Each year the public engages in two rounds of voting to distribute $360,000 – more than half of the world’s largest art prize. First place receives $200,000, second $75,000, third $50,000, and fourth through tenth each receive $5,000. Participants can vote using either the ArtPrize app or artprize.org. In addition, a panel of professional jurors will distribute $200,000 in prize money to artists at their discretion. Five category jurors will distribute $20,000 each to recognize entries in two-dimensional work, three-dimensional work, time/performance, use of urban space and an outstanding venue. The final $100,000 will be given as a Grand Juried Prize by a panel of three arts professionals.

Sign up to vote on their website, then go downtown and vote through an app on your phone, by texting, or online.